For more information or to book an author visit or keynote presentation for your school, library, bookstore, parent night, or conference— Click Here.
Enjoy this author hello: Welcome! Meet Tina Shepardson
I love writing for kids because stories can spark curiosity, bring laughter, share meaningful lessons, and help children see themselves in a character’s journey. Each book is a chance to offer joy, humor, and the reminder that their voices truly matter.
I love visiting schools because nothing compares to the energy of a room full of kids sharing ideas, asking questions, and discovering the magic of storytelling together. When I see their faces light up, I’m helping kids connect, dream big, and believe in themselves. Having spent so much of my life in school settings, it’s a joy to return in a new way and continue adding value to kids’ lives.
“I’ve had the rare privilege of seeing Tina Shepardson in many roles—first as her student, then as her colleague, and now as an accomplished author, podcaster, and presenter. In every role, she brings unwavering passion, creativity, and dedication. Tina loves what she does, and that enthusiasm shines through from the moment you meet her. She will inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression on young readers.”
When preparing for a school or library visit, Tina goes above and beyond to ensure her presentation aligns perfectly with your theme or message. She takes great care to personalize and adapt her content to meet the needs of her audience.
Using her book The Sorry Seeds as the foundation of her presentation, I’ve had the honor of watching Tina engage students in both a whole-school setting and my own third-grade classroom. Whether she’s guiding students through writing a personal narrative, brainstorming story ideas, or exploring themes of kindness and forgiveness, she makes every experience meaningful and engaging.
Tina Shepardson inspires, connects, and leaves a lasting impression on young readers.”
—Amy Tooley, 3rd grade teacher, Cherry Road School, Syracuse, NY
“Tina Shepardson delivers the topic of apologies in a way that is both meaningful and accessible to children. Her beautiful slideshow and adorable character stuffies instantly captured the students’ attention. I especially appreciated how she set clear expectations at the beginning and made the presentation highly interactive—asking thoughtful questions and keeping the kids engaged throughout. Her preparation was outstanding, even taking the time to share her presentation in advance to ensure it aligned with our needs. The Twinkle Apology Song was a hit! It provided a fun, memorable ending that tied the whole presentation together perfectly. Our students loved it!”
—Aneisa Linton, Library Media Specialist, Walberta Park Primary School, Syracuse, NY
IN-PERSON + VIRTUAL OPTIONS
NAME OF PRESENTATION(S)
The Story Behind the Stories: Writing, Inspiration, and the Author Experience
Grades: 1–6 | Duration: 45–60 minutes
Tina shares the inspiration behind her books, her passion for writing, and what life is like as an author. Students will discover how ideas grow into published stories, learn the importance of persistence and creativity, and see how characters’ journeys connect to their own. During the presentation, students have the chance to ask their own questions. They will walk away knowing how characters can help them better understand themselves and others.
Growing Your Life Story: Seed By Seed
Grades: 1–5 | Duration: 45-60 minutes
In this interactive presentation, Tina shows students how kindness can grow—just like seeds we plant. Through her award winning picture book, The Sorry Seeds, she explores how our actions become our stories, how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and how the choices we make shape what others remember about us. They will get a glimpse into how a story grows from an idea/seed into a finished book.
Students will see that their words and actions have power, that kindness grows when it’s nurtured, and that each of us is the author of our own story. Together, they will reflect on what they want their story to say about them and commit to spreading kindness through a special Kindness Pledge.
The 3 R’s: Write-Revise-Repeat
Grades: 3–6 | Duration: 45–60 minutes
50 students or less
In this hands-on presentation, Tina takes students inside the writing process to discover why good writing is really rewriting. She shares her own drafts and revisions, showing how stories grow stronger with each step. Students will learn the value of persistence, patience, and creativity, while seeing that mistakes are part of the journey to making writing shine.
Key topics include how writers generate ideas, why revising is essential, and what it takes to polish a story until it’s ready for readers. Students will gain skills in brainstorming, editing with purpose, and strengthening their own voice as writers.
As part of the session, the audience will join Tina in a quick revision activity, practicing how small changes can make a big impact.
The Two Sides of Sorry: Giving & Accepting an Apology
Grades: K-1 | Duration: 20–25 minutes
Grades 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
In this interactive presentation, Tina helps students explore the power of saying sorry and the importance of accepting apologies with kindness. Using her story The Sorry Seeds, she illustrates how mistakes happen, how to make amends, and how apologies can strengthen relationships and build trust.
Students will learn key social-emotional skills such as empathy, taking responsibility, and expressing themselves respectfully. They will discover strategies for giving sincere apologies, accepting apologies gracefully, and understanding how their actions affect others.
Students will participate in an audience sing-along called The Sorry Song, practicing empathy, communication, and reflection as they connect the power of apologies to their own lives.
Are You An Advocate or Activist?
Grades: 4–6 | Duration: 45–60 minutes
Inspired by the 2018 New York Times article “How Young Is Too Young to Protest?”, WALKOUT is the centerpiece of this interactive presentation that shows students how to stand up for what they believe in while remaining respectful and nonviolent. Through Maddie’s story of organizing a safe, anti-violence walkout, students explore the difference between advocacy and activism, as well as the importance of respecting others’ feelings and choices—whether or not they choose to participate.
Students gain skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, and take part in an activity to brainstorm safe, respectful ways they can make a positive impact in their own communities.
Facing Fears and Finding Courage
Grades: K–1 | Duration: 25–30 minutes
Grades 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
In this author presentation, Tina introduces students to Hank, an Akita navigating the ups and downs of doggie daycare in Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack. While Paisy is excited about kindergarten, Hank must face his fears, take responsibility, and discover new strengths in an unfamiliar world.
Students will connect Hank’s challenges to their own, exploring themes of courage, responsibility, and resilience. They’ll see how change—though sometimes scary—can lead to growth and new opportunities.
As part of the session, students will join an interactive activity to reflect on challenges they’ve faced and brainstorm how to handle them with courage, just like Hank.
Family & Community Event/ Evening Presentation
Tina is available for family nights, community events, evening presentations, and conferences. She would love to partner with you to create a session that speaks directly to your audience’s interests and needs, tailoring the topic to best support your goals.
50-60 minute session and book signing
Public Library Events and Story Times:
Each library visit features an engaging story time and a creative craft tied to one of my books:
WALKOUT: Kids design posters for a cause they believe in, using respectful, encouraging words to show how their voice matters.
CANINES UNLEASHED: Kids create dog ID tags and practice fun icebreakers that help them feel comfortable in new situations and be their authentic selves.
THE SORRY SEEDS: Kids make their own Sorry Seeds packet, just like Courtney, to use when they need to apologize.
Keynote Opportunities with Tina Shepardson
Tina is available for keynote opportunities that align with the theme of your conference and can tailor her presentations to support your goals. Her background as an educator, children’s author, and speaker has shaped her unique ability to connect with audiences on topics such as:
- Building Confidence Through Connection: What Kids Really Need Today
Strategies for helping children feel seen, valued, and authentically themselves. - The Courage to Be Different: Helping Kids Turn Challenges into Strengths
How kids can embrace what makes them unique, transforming fears or insecurities into confidence and leadership. - The Power of Apologies: Teaching Kids Accountability and Empathy
Exploring how teaching children to authentically apologize fosters respect, responsibility, and stronger relationships. - Leaders Between the Lines: How Literacy Builds Courage, Character, and Connection
Highlighting how literacy fosters leadership skills, this keynote shows how stories help children build empathy by seeing the world through another character’s eyes, develop problem-solving skills as they watch characters navigate conflicts, gain courage by identifying with characters who take risks and grow, and understand integrity by noticing the consequences of choices made in stories.
RATES
THREE SESSIONS*
Travel fee (to be determined)*
Includes:
- Up to three sessions (presentations or workshops) at one school
- Optional book signing
- Optional lunch with a small group of students (20-30 minutes)
Fourth session available
Four sessions can be split between two nearby schools on the same day (note – lunch is not included with this option)
A fourth session is available at a 50% discount for title 1 campuses
TWO SESSIONS (morning OR afternoon)
Travel fee (to be determined)*
Includes:
- Two sessions (presentations or workshops) at one school
- Optional book signing
ONE SESSION (Limited availability)
Travel fee (to be determined)*
Includes:
- One session (presentation or workshop)
- Optional book signing
Virtual Visits
Full Day: Up to 3 presentations
Single presentation available
VIRTUAL SESSION
Includes:
- One session (presentation or workshop)
- Signed bookplates available upon request
KEYNOTE
Travel fee (to be determined)*
Includes:
- One 45-60 minute talk
- Optional book signing
- Concurrent session available
*10% discount available for Three Sessions on three or more consecutive school days within a single school district or neighboring school districts.
** Travel fee is based on hotel rate, airfare, and/or ground transportation and is intended to simplify things for our authors and their hosts. Fee waived for visits in central New York state
FAQ’S
Do you offer suggestions for how to find funding for a visit?
This site has 35 ways for funding: The Booking Biz